Royal Caribbean Blog

Royal Caribbean is running a 48-hour sale that is offering 30% off every guest, kids sail free and bonus instant savings.

The Daring Deals sale is valid on cruises booked between October –30 – 31, 2019 and applies to select sailings departing on or after November 30, 2019.

It includes:

• 30% off cruise fare for all guests in the stateroom
• Kids Sail Free provides free cruise fare for 3rd guests and higher who are 12 years old or younger on select 4-night or longer Alaska, Bahamas, Bermuda, Canada, Caribbean, CaribNE, Coastal, Europe, Hawaii, and Repositioning sailings departing between November 1, 2019 – May 15, 2020 and August 31, 2020 – December 17, 2020.
  • Offer excludes 2019 Thanksgiving sailings (Sailings between November 23 – 30, 2019), Holiday sailings (Sailings between December 15, 2019 – January 3, 2020), President’s Day sailings (Sailings between February 14 – 17, 2020), Spring Break sailings (Sailings between March 14 – 23, 2020), Holy Week/Easter sailings (Sailings between April 3 – 17, 2020) and 2020 Thanksgiving sailings (Sailings between November 21 – 27, 2020). 
• Daring Deals applies to new bookings made October 30 – 31 2019.
  • Instant savings of up to $150 per stateroom on select sailings departing on or after November 30, 2019
  • Sailings 5 nights or less, $25 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $50 for Balconies and $75 for Suites
  • Sailings 6 nights or longer, $50 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $75 for Balconies and $150 for Suites
• Deck the Holiday Deals applies to new bookings made between October 30 – 31 2019.  
  • Instant savings of up to $100 per stateroom on select sailings departing between December 2 – 31, 2019 and November 30 – December 31, 2020.
  • Savings amount determined by category booked and sailing length:
    • Sailings 5 nights or less, $25 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $50 for Balconies and $50 for Suites
    • Sailings 6 nights or longer, $50 savings for Interior and Ocean View, $75 for Balconies and $100 for Suites

 30% Off Every Guest and Deck the Holiday Deals are combinable with each other as well as promotional OBCs, NextCruise offers, Instant Savings, restricted discounts (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military), Promo Code driven offers, Free Upgrades, Crown and Anchor discounts and Shareholder Benefits. 30% Off Every Guest and Kids Sail Free are combinable with each other as well as with promotional OBCs, NextCruise offers, instant savings, restricted discounts (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military), Promo Code driven offers, Free Upgrades, Crown and Anchor discounts and Shareholder Benefits.  Kids Sail Free and Deck the Holiday Deals are combinable with each other for sailings departing December 2 – 14, 2019 and November 28 – December 17, 2020 only. Daring Deals is combinable with 30% Off Every Guest, Deck the Holiday Deals, Kids Sail Free, as well as with promotional OBCs, NextCruise offers, Instant Savings, restricted discounts (for example, Seniors, Residents, Military), Promo Code driven offers, Free Upgrades, and Shareholder Benefits, but not combinable with Crown and Anchor discounts. Offers are not combinable with any other offer or promotion, including, but not limited to, Standard Group, Interline, Travel Agent, Travel Agent Friends and Family, Weekly Sales Events, and Net Rates.  Promo Code driven offers are based on select ships and sail dates and must be applied at time of booking, limit one promo code per booking. 

Offer available to residents of United States, Canada, Puerto Rico, and select countries in the Caribbean.

Debuting on Oasis of the Seas, Royal Caribbean is giving us a look at a brand new type of suite stateroom -- the Ultimate Panoramic Suite.

One of the changes coming to Oasis of the Seas as part of her Royal Amplification is the addition of the Ultimate Panoramic Suite, which offers 914 square feet of space and sweeping 200 degree views from wall to wall and floor to ceiling glass windows.

This new room type also offers a walk-in closet, and upgraded bathroom with panoramic views of its own.

The Ultimate Panoramic Suite can accommodate up to 4 guests.  They will be on either side of the ship on deck 14 forward. The room numbers are 14128 and 14528.

Since this room is a Star Class suite in the Royal Suite Class, guests can expect a number of benefits including:

• Royal Genie
• Exclusive Complimentary Dining
• Complimentary Ultimate Beverage Package
• All Day Access to Suites-Only Coastal Kitchen
• Still and Sparkling Water Replenished Daily
• Complimentary Coca-Cola Beverages and Water
• Nespresso Coffee Maker
• Access to Exclusive Activities such as the Bridge, Galley and Back Stage Tours
• Spa Bathrobes for Use Onboard
• Complimentary In-Suite Movies
• Luxury Bathroom Amenities by L’Occitane
• Duxiana Mattress and Frette Linens

Royal Caribbean announced the first of its Royal Beach Club in Antigua, which will open along a half-mile of beachfront near Fort James.

The company signed a memorandum of understanding with the government of Antigua and Barbuda for the project, which is scheduled to open in 2021.

Built for Royal Caribbean International guests, The Royal Beach Club at Fort James will combine Antigua's famous beaches with the cruise line’s signature service and amenities.

Curated as the ultimate beach experience, the Royal Beach Club Collection will bring the unique features and flavors of each destination to life. In Antigua, guests can take in the island’s exceptional views from private cabanas or plunge into a stunning pool and swim up to the bar to order a classic rum punch.

“The Royal Beach Club Collection is an adventure we cannot wait to reveal to our guests,” said Michael Bayley, President and CEO, Royal Caribbean International. “We have incredible partners in the government of Antigua and Barbuda to bring the first of our collection to life. Together, we are designing an experience that will bring more visitors to these idyllic islands and will create significant economic benefits and opportunities for local employment for years to come.”

The Royal Beach Club concept builds on the remarkable success of Royal Caribbean’s new Perfect Day at CocoCay in the Bahamas but will be a distinctly different experience for guests.

“With Royal Beach Club, we’re starting with a great day at a beautiful beach, and adding even more services and activities,” Bayley said. “Each location will feature local food and music, family activities and custom attractions to give everyone plenty of options on how to spend their day by the ocean.”

Though Royal does not expect to release specific designs for the Antigua destination for several months, the company expects to offer regional fare, island-style BBQs and live music, along with unforgettable experiences, including such thrills as wave runners, paddle boarding, snorkeling, a family splash pad and stunning pool with swim-up bar.         

Royal Caribbean is going to offer its guests a prix-fixe lunch experience of signature courses from the cruise line's top specialty restaurants. 

Taste of Royal will combine the some of the best dishes from different specialty restaurants into one meal.  

The meal will begin with a selection of sushi and sashimi presented by Izumi. Next up is from Giovanni’s Italian Kitchen featuring mascarpone risotto with crabmeat. Then Chops Grill will serve up a classic surf and turf of filet mignon and jumbo shrimp. Followed by fried cheesecake with Nutella, whipped cream and caramelized popcorn from 150 Central Park. All topped off with a classic Aperol Spritz from Hooked Seafood. 

Within the next couple of weeks, guests will be able to start making reservations within the Cruise Planner. Guests can also book it onboard at any Specialty Dining Desk or, alternatively, at any restaurant on the ship.

Taste of Royal starts at $54.99 USD per person. There is also an optional wine pairing that is available for $19.99. Prices are subject to change and 18% gratuity will be added. It will not be included with a dining package. Children 0-5 are complimentary and children 6-12 are $10. Children must order from the Royal Caribbean kid’s menu.

The wine pairing includes three 3 oz sample pours of wine selected to pair with the appropriate courses, along with a sample of port to pair with dessert. If you purchased a beverage package,  guests will receive 25% off the cost of the wine pairing.

Taste of Royal will occur once per sailing during lunch on a sea day, Cruises longer than 7 nights may offer more than one opportunity.

Guests that pre-purchase Taste of Royal will receive a letter in their stateroom with more details on location, timing, and more.

If you have dietary restrictions, Royal Caribbean says to let the cruise line know in advance if there are specific allergies or conditions and they will accommodate.

Maybe it is just us, but we noticed people that cruise a lot do some weird things on a cruise!

Some of these things are bi-products of the culture of cruising, but I think if you’re new to cruising, some may seem just plain weird.

And if you love this video, we have lots of other great cruise videos to watch on our Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel!

By the way, have you subscribed yet? Be sure to subscribe to our channel and never miss a single video!

So check out the video and then let us know: Have you ever done any of these things? What is the weirdest thing you have seen done on a cruise?

Royal Caribbean is getting into the Halloween spirit with its Spooktacular Savings sale, with up to 30% off pre-cruise cruise purchases.

The new promotion applies to purchases made between October 29, 2019 – November 7, 2019, and applies to select sailings departing between November 9, 2019 – May 15, 2020. It is valid on all ships, except for Spectrum of the Seas.

BEVERAGE: Up to 30% off on select sailings.

SHORE EXCURSIONS: Up to 25% off on select sailings.

INTERNET: Up to 60% off on select sailings

• The Key. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes Charter Sailings + Mj, SC)
• VOOM Surf Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s): Discount varies by ship. (Excludes SC).
• VOOM Surf & Stream Voyage Package 1, 2, 3, 4 Device(s). Discount varies by ship. (Excludes SC)

DINING: Up to 55% off on select sailings.

•  Unlimited Dining Package on 3N – 9N sailings. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes MJ, SC)

ACTIVITIES: 10% off on select sailings

• All Access Ship Tour: 10% off onboard prices. (Excludes SC)

GIFTS & GEAR: 20% off on select sailings

• Chocolate Covered Strawberries: 20% off onboard prices. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes QN, SC, VY)
• Happy Anniversary Decorations: 20% off onboard prices. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes QN, SC, VY)
• Inky Travel Set: 20% off onboard prices. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes QN, SC, VY)
• Strawberries with Champagne: 20% off onboard prices. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes QN, SC, VY)
• White Wine & Cheese: 20% off onboard prices. Discount varies by ship. (Excludes QN, SC, VY)

PHOTO PACKAGES: Up to 20% off on select sailings.

• Prints – 10: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes AD, AL, AN, BR, EN, EX, FR, HM, JW, LB, OA, OY, RD, RH, SC, SR, SY)
• Prints – 15: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes AL, BR, EN, FR, HM, LB, MA, MJ, NE, NV, OA, OY, QN, RH, SC, SR, SY)
• Prints – 20: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes All Ships + Charter Sailings except AL, BR, EN, EX, FR, GR, ID, JW, MA, MJ, NE, NV, OY, QN, RD, RH, SC, SR,VI, VY)
• Prints – All: Discount varies by ship. (AD, AN, EX, HM, ID, LB, MA, NV, OV, QN, SC, SY)
• Digital – 15: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes AL, BR, EN, FR, GR, HM, JW, LB,MA, MJ, NV, OA, OV, OY, QN, RD, RH, SC, SR, SY, VI)
• Digital – 20: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes AL, BR, EN, EX,FR, GR, ID, JW, MA, MJ, NE, NV, OY, QN, RD, RH SC, SR,VI, VY)
• Digital – All: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes AD, AL, AN, BR, EN, EX, FR, HM, ID, LB, MA, NV, OA, OV, OY, QN, RH, SR, SY, VY)
• All Digital + Prints: Discount varies by ship. (Excludes AD, AN, EX, GR, HM, ID, JW, LB, MA, MJ, NE, NV, OA, OV, OY, QN, RD, SC, SY, VI, VY)

The Cruise Planner sale promises savings on certain shore excursions and drink package purchases.  Guests can check which discounts, if any, are available for their upcoming sailing by visiting the Cruise Planner site. Keep in mind that not all sailings may see the sale applicable, nor are all offers significantly cheaper than previously posted.

If you spot a better discount on something you already pre-purchased, you should be able to cancel the purchase and then re-purchase the same item under this promotion.

Royal Caribbean has delayed the deployment schedule for May 2021 - April 2022 by a week.

The new Deployment Schedule reads as follows:

• Week of November 4, 2019: Alaska & Hawaii
• Week of November 11, 2019: Europe
• Week of November 18, 2019: 7+ Night Caribbean
• Week of December 2, 2019: Northeast, Canada & Bermuda
• Week of December 9, 2019: China - Phase 1
• Week of December 16, 2019: Short Caribbean

Alaska & Hawaii itineraries were originally scheduled to come out this week.

All itineraries are subject to change without notice.

Puerto Rican authorities have filed charges on Monday against the grandfather that raised his two-year old granddaughter up to an open window before she fell to her death.

Photo of the area near where the accident took place on deck 11 of Freedom of the Seas. Photo by Lana Windebank-Hart

Multiple local news outlets are reporting Salvatore Anello was charged with negligent manslaughter by Puerto Rico's Justice Department.

Earlier this summer, 18-month-old Chloe Wiegand fell to death aboard Royal Caribbean's Freedom of the Seas while the ship was docked in San Juan. According to the maternal grandfather's testimony, Chloe asked be raised up by her grandfather. He put her on a rail by a window, thinking the glass would hold her. However, the window was open.

Anello is being held on $80,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court on November 20.

Following more than $100 million in upgrades to Mariner of the Seas, Royal Caribbean has packed a ton of activities for families to enjoy onboard this revamped cruise ship.  From dining, things to do, experiences and more, Mariner of the Seas offers plenty across fifteen decks.

Here is a look at some great things to try onboard Mariner of the Seas that are fun and totally free to enjoy.  That means a great vacation that saves you money! Hopefully, you can enjoy all 15 of these activities on your Mariner of the Seas cruise.

1. Go ice skating

Mariner of the Seas has an ice skating rink in Studio B where one of the ship's best shows is performed during your cruise (more on that later), but guests can also don a pair of ice skates and hit the ice rink too!

Check the Cruise Compass for open skate sessions during your sailing.  Royal Caribbean will provide you with complimentary ice skate and safety equipment rentals.  Just be sure to pack long pants and socks.

2. Bounce on the Sky Pad

Guests can hit up the Sky pad, which is a virtual bungee trampoline experience.  After being hooked up to bungee chords, you put on a virtual reality visor and explore a virtual world while bouncing up and down on a giant trampoline!

There are three different games to try, including being transported to another time and planet to bounce over moon craters or compete in intergalactic games. The out-of-this-world experience is for guests of all ages, and also can be enjoyed without virtual reality headsets, for those who prefer to look out over the ocean as they leap toward the sky.

3. Plunge down the water slides

The Perfect Storm is a duo of racing water slides called Cyclone and Typhoon that are a very popular option for many to enjoy high-speed thrills. 

4. Watch the Crazy Quest

For the adults only, make plans to watch the Crazy Quest on your cruise.  Assuming you have a good sense of humor, the Crazy Quest is an adult scavenger hunt that involves guests going to great lengths to complete a number of physical challenges.

Having seen the Quest many times, it is safe to say no two Crazy Quest shows are the same and there is no telling exactly what you will witness.  It is wild, intense and provides some great late-night entertainment.

5. Go surfing

If you ever wanted to learn to surf, Mariner of the Seas has a Flowrider surf simulator on the back of the ship you can try. The FlowRider is a simulator that sends water a very high speed across a small area that mimics what it is like to surf on the ocean.

Guests can surf until they fall off the board, but the staff is pretty good at challenging the talented guests in an effort to improve their skills and increase the likelihood of falling off.

6. Challenge your friends to laser tag

A recent addition to Mariner of the Seas is a glow-in-the-dark laser tag experience in Studio B, where friends and family can team up to play “Battle for Planet Z.”

7. Climb to the top of the wall

A signature Royal Caribbean activity is the rock climbing wall. Located at the back of the ship, you can try climbing to the top of the wall and ringing a bell before rappelling down.

This is a great personal challenge that also has the added benefit of providing some fantastic views of the ocean from 200 feet above the ocean. Don't worry about safety, because you are harnessed in at all times.

8. Hit the mini-golf course

Families will love the updated mini-golf course at the front of the ship. Mariner Dunes on Deck 13 allows for as many rounds of complimentary golf as you like.

It is a creative course, with plenty of obstacles and even faux water hazards!

9. Eat ice cream!

Did you know there is a self-serve ice cream station at the pool deck with unlimited soft serve ice cream? Grab a cone at your leisure, because very likely you will be having quite a few of these on your cruise.

10. Check out the ice skating show

Studio B is home to one of the production shows on Mariner of the Seas, "Ice Under The Big Top" and is a must-see show.

This ice skating performance combines acrobatics, skill and finesse to bring guests an engaging show. Ice skating shows on Royal Caribbean are well-worth seeing, so be sure to arrive to Studio B at least 15-20 minutes early to grab a seat.

11. Catch a game at Playmakers

While Playmakers Sports Bar costs money to order food or drink, watching a game on one of their many television screens is totally complimentary.

Sports fans will love catching their favorite team playing on game day from the comfort of a table at Playmakers. Heck, you can play a round or two of Jenga or Connect Four in-between innings!

12. Join the party!

You will find deck parties galore on Mariner of the Seas.  From the 70's Dancing in the Street Party, to the Hush! Silent Party, to the sail away parties, there are many opportunities to dance the night away.

13. Catch a movie by the pool

What is better than seeing a recent blockbuster film? How about while swimming in a pool!

A 220-square foot movie screen is located at the pool deck, and there are movies each night to enjoy either from in a pool or hot tub, or just from one of the lounge chairs nearby.

14. Play in a game show

If you are the competitive type, or just enjoy watching others try their best, then catch one of the many games shows onboard.

• Finish That Lyric game show: Guests listen to a bit of a popular song and then must fill in the lyrics that come next once the music stops.
• X versus Y game show: It is the battle of the sexes type game show, which pits men versus women in an adult-oriented contest.
• Love and Marriage game show: See which married couple knows their spouse best in a test of memory and compatibility.

15. Belly Flop Competition

Humans naturally drawn to see who is the best at anything, including who can make the biggest splash in the pool.  This popular contest is something you have to see to believe.

What is your favorite thing to do on Mariner of the Seas? Have you sailed and tried one of these? Share with us your top picks in the comments below!

Happy Sunday! We are so happy that you stopped by and hope you are having a wonderful weekend. Grab a mug of your favorite hot beverage, sit back, and check out the latest in Royal Caribbean news.

Royal Caribbean revealed earlier this week the major features and offerings coming to Odyssey of the Seas.

The first Quantum Ultra Class ship to arrive in North America, will feature a two-level pool deck, as well as a collection of restaurant choices to enjoy.

In November 2020, the ship’s inaugural year will kick off with 8- and 6-night itineraries from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Odyssey will then sail to her homeport of Rome in May 2021 and become the first Quantum Ultra Class ship to cruise Europe for the summer. 

Royal Caribbean News

• Voyager of the Seas completed a $97 million Royal Amplification.
• Royal Caribbean and Carnival Cruise Line have agreed to build a new cruise port in Saint Lucia.
• Royal Caribbean's CEO hinted at some big changes coming to Odyssey of the Seas.
• A special soda flavor is now available to celebrate Royal Caribbean's 50th anniversary.
• Royal Caribbean is adding more TV sports coverage to select cruise ships.
• Royal Caribbean shared a look at what its Spa Staterooms will look like.
• Everything you need to know about a Royal Caribbean Hawaii cruise.
• We previewed Royal Caribbean's 2020 Europe cruise season.
• First-time cruisers: Where do I get my Royal Caribbean luggage tags?
• Here's a list of the newest Royal Caribbean ships.
• Matt shared his favorite things to order at Izumi Japanese specialty restaurant.
• Our 7 tips for a great Mediterranean cruise.
• How to book a Royal Caribbean shore excursion.
• Michael Bayley expects a 50% increase in Caribbean passengers.
• Royal Caribbean scheduled its third quarter 2019 earnings call with investors.

Royal Caribbean Blog Podcast

Helping cruisers by answering their questions is a big part of what we do here, and on this week's podcast episode, Matt dedicates the episode to just that.

This week's podcast episode is all about answering listener emails on a variety of topics from cruise planning, what not to do onboard and more.

Please feel free to subscribe via iTunes or RSS, and head over to rate and review the podcast on iTunes if you can! We’d appreciate it.

New RCB Video: Royal Caribbean's Oasis Class vs Quantum Class

Have you subscribed to the Royal Caribbean Blog YouTube Channel? We share some great videos there regularly, all about taking a Royal Caribbean cruise! This week, we are sharing our latest video — Why book an inside room on a cruise — and don’t forget to subscribe here.

Royal Caribbean Around the Internet

Elliot Advocacy tried to help a woman who tried to board a Royal Caribbean cruise with an Ancestry.com printout.

Blooloop interviewed Royal Caribbean's Vice President that is in charge of Perfect Day at CocoCay.

Cruise Critic shared stories from 50 years of Royal Caribbean cruises.

Cruise Hive listed 27 things to do on Harmony of the Seas.